The Songwriter's Gift

 Music is able to connect us to ourselves in a way that few things can.  Songs tug at our heartstrings, release long-stored memories and open us to the deepest innermost part of ourselves.  The songwriter, inspired by something beyond him or herself, stirs both joy and pain and leaves a lasting mark on our souls.

Yesterday, I went with my husband and friends to a James Taylor concert and found myself moved to tears as the songwriter's gift transported me back to myself. I was thirteen again, singing "You've Got a Friend" and "Fire and Rain", feeling my heart burst with the emotions of life.  The crowd of thousands swayed and danced, mesmerized by the messages of love and human connection that the old crooner sang out.

A few years ago, my daughter lived in the Seattle area where she had a job performing music for Alzheimer's patients.  I visited once and watched her as she played her guitar and sang for them, amazed as people who barely knew their own names were suddenly able to sing along to familiar tunes and connect to the deep emotions expressed in her original music. Those who had lost themselves found that their spirits were still strong.  I was then, and am continually amazed at the healing power of music.

This morning, I'm going to keep things simple and just reflect and give thanks for the gift of song, remembering the lyrics to one of my favorites that spoke to me long ago and still has the power to stir my soul:  

       "You've Got a Friend", by Carole King and James Taylor

When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, oh, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And, you know, wherever I am
I'll come running, oh, yeah, baby
To see you again

Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud now
Soon I'll be knocking upon your door

You just call out my name
And, you know, wherever I am
I'll come running, oh, yes, I will
To see you again

Winter, spring, summer or fall, yeah
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They'll hurt you and desert you
Well, they'll take your soul if you let them
Oh, yeah, but don't you let them

You just call out my name
And, you know, wherever I am
I'll come running
To see you again

Oh, baby don't you know 'bout
Winter, spring, summer or fall
Hey, now, all you've got to do is call
Lord, I'll be there, yes, I will
You've got a friend

You've got a friend, yeah
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?
Oh, yeah, yeah, you've got a friend